Fix This Song Is Not Synced Across Your Devices Error 2024

What does this song is not synced across your devices mean? How to fix song not synced across devices issue? Read this guide to find everything you want to know.

By @Lena Last Updated September 5, 2024
 

Song not synced across devices

Some of my songs were greyed out and showed this error message “this song is not synced across your devices” when trying to play it. This is so frustrating. Please help!

- Question from Reddit

Are you experiencing the same problem as this user? Want to enjoy favorite music on iPhone or iPad but get an error message saying this song is not synced across your devices. Don’t worry too much,  this guide will tell you why such an error message appears and how to fix this annoying problem.

What does  “This song is not synced across your devices” mean?

With iCloud Music Library, we can easily sync all songs across iPhone, iPad and computer. It’s one of the significant features of owning Apple devices. For example, we can add music to iCloud Music Library from computer and enjoy music on iPhone or iPad.

Usually, the playlist will get automatically synced so we can easily access any song on any device. However, if the song is not synced successfully for some reason, then you will get “this song is not synced across your devices” error message.

The main causes of this problem may be incorrect settings, poor network connection, problems with Apple services, software glitches, etc. Don’t worry too much, "this song is not synced across your devices" issue happens from time to time. Just keep reading to get the solutions.

How to fix this song is not synced across your devices error

Here are some tips that may help you fix the song not synced across devices error. You can try these methods one after another until the problem is solved.

If you are in a hurry to use the song, you can go to the next part to get another easy way to transfer music from computer to iPhone/transfer music from one iPhone to another.

Tip 1. Check Apple System Status

Apple Music will not work when Apple server is down. You can go to Apple System Status page (https://www.apple.com/support/systemstatus/) to check if there are interruptions of Apple Music or Apple Music Subscriptions. If it is not green, should wait for Apple to fix the problem.

Tip 2. Check Apple Music Subscription

Go check to see if your Apple Music or iTunes Match subscription has been canceled or expired. If so, you won't be able to sync songs across different devices.

Tip 3. Check basic settings

The relevant settings may have been changed for some reason so the song not synced across devices correctly.

  • Make sure that you have signed in with the same Apple ID that you use with Apple Music or iTunes Match. You can try to log out of your iCloud account and then log in your iCloud.
  • Make sure Sync Library is enabled on iPhone. Go to Settings > Music to have a check.
  • Also, go to iTunes > Edit > Preferences... > General and make sure iCloud Music Library/Sync Library option is enabled.
  • In addition, you can go to iTunes > File > Library to Update iCloud Music Library to refresh the sync by yourself.

Tip 4. Check network connection

iCloud Music Library requires a stable network connection to work. Any issues with the network may lead to this song is not synced across your devices error. Make sure cellular data is enabled or have connected to Wi-Fi.

To troubleshoot the network issue, you can go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset to Reset Network Settings, but you need to re-enter the Wi-Fi password.

Tip 5. Restart your devices

Sometimes, a simple restart may help fix system glitches that caused the "this song is not synced across your devices" error. Below are the methods to force restart iPhone.

  • iPhone 8 or later: Press the volume+ button and then quickly release. Press the volume- button and then quickly release. Press the side button for seconds until you see the logo of Apple.
  • iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus: Press both the power button and volume- button for seconds until you see the logo of Apple.
  • iPhone 6s or earlier: Press both the power button and the Home button for seconds until you see the logo of Apple.

Tip 6. Update Music app, iTunes, iOS

This is a measure that should not be overlooked when solving any iOS error. The outdated operating system or app have various issues and that’s why Apple always advises users to update iOS and iTunes to the latest version.

  • Go to App Store to update Apple Music app.
  • To update iTunes, click Help tab from menu bar and click Check for Updates.
  • To update iOS, go to Settings > General > Software Update and if an update is available, click Download and Install.

Another easy way to transfer songs across devices

If the song not synced across devices cannot be solved right now, you may let a third-party transfer tool help you transfer iTunes library to iPhone or transfer music from iPhone to iPad.

Here, AOMEI FoneBackup is recommended. It’s one easy-to-use iOS data backup & transfer tool specially designed for Windows PC users. With a stable USB connection, you can quickly transfer purchased and non-purchased songs to the right place.

Steps to transfer iTunes library from computer to iPhone

1. Download AOMEI FoneBackup on computer.

Download Freeware Win 11/10/8.1/8/7
Secure Download

2. Launch AOMEI FoneBackup > Connect your iPhone to computer via the USB cable > Enter the passcode on iPhone when asked.

3. Click Phone Transfer option on the Home screen. Go to PC to iPhone and click Start Transfer.

4. Click the add icon > Select the songs you’d like to add to iPhone > Click Open to continue.

Where does iTunes music store? Usually, your music library is located at :\users\[username]\My Music\iTunes\iTunes Media.

5. Finally, click Start Transfer to add music to iPhone.

★Tips:
If you want to transfer music from iPhone to iPad, you can first export songs from source iPhone to computer via iPhone to PC and then add songs to target iPad via PC to iPhone.
AOMEI FoneBackup makes it possible to transfer music from one Apple ID to another. That’s to say, you can easily transfer any songs with family and friends who use different Apple IDs.

Final words

Hope one of the methods can help you fix the “this song is not synced across your devices” error. If all methods don't work, you can use AOMEI FoneBackup to help you transfer music first, and then contact Apple support for help when you have time.

For any questions or feedback, please feel free to contact us!